Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Brazilian electricity consumption patterns

The implementation of mobility restrictions and home office schemes due to the COVID-19 pandemic have influenced electricity consumption patterns and levels. This study analyzes the effect of physical distancing measures regarding mobility on the energy consumption trends for the Brazilian energy system and its subsystems (Northeast, North, South, and Southeast-Midwest). Trends were evaluated by the Joinpoint software, and the analysis comprehended the period between January 1 and May 27, 2020. Daily load data was grouped into weeks, with the calculation of weekly percentage changes considering a 95% confidence interval andp < 0.05. The weekly electricity loads were compared in the periods before and after the isolation decrees were enforced in Brazil (March 15, 2020). Statistically significant decreases were observed in the levels of electricity consumption, with trends represented by two joinpoints. Due to the different profiles of consumption across the geographic regions, the resulting electricity dynamics were also different. This is the first study to employ joinpoint analysis for the calculation of energy consumption trends focusing on the COVID-29 pandemic. Data presented herein is unique, in its focus on Brazil, which enables more accurate implications to be drawn for Brazilian policy makers.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the energy consumption trends of different subsystems in the Brazilian energy system during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding a significant decrease in electricity consumption levels after the implementation of social distancing measures. The unique data presented in this study provides more accurate implications for Brazilian policy makers.